The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has said the party would reintroduce fuel subsidy in a different form if it wins the 2027 presidential election.
Kwankwaso made the statement during an interview with Arise TV, where he criticised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to remove the petrol subsidy at the beginning of his administration.
The former Kano State governor described the subsidy removal as a mistake that had contributed to what he called a “total mess, economically.”
According to Kwankwaso, there are several ways the subsidy could be restored without returning to the system previously operated by the government.
He also said the NDC would prioritise the construction of more refineries and introduce measures aimed at reducing the cost of petrol across the country.
“We’re bringing back fuel subsidy in our own way. There are so many ways to do that. Now we have a refinery built by a businessman and I am sure more will be built.
“If individuals in this country can build refinery, I see no reason why the government will not build refineries.
“We in the NDC will do all it takes to put the price of oil down”, Kwankwaso said.
Kwankwaso and Peter Obi formally joined the NDC in May 2026 ahead of the 2027 general election, with Kwankwaso subsequently emerging as Obi’s running mate.
The comments add fuel subsidy to the growing list of economic policy differences being discussed by opposition parties ahead of the 2027 election. Other opposition figures have also publicly discussed restoring or modifying the subsidy, although approaches to the policy vary among the parties.
The Tinubu administration removed the petrol subsidy in May 2023, shortly after the president assumed office, while the government has maintained that its broader economic reforms are intended to address long-standing structural challenges and improve the economy.
